Oatmeal Date Bars

The arid climate and mineral rich soil make the Jordan River Valley one of the best places in the world to grow dates. Medjool dates have been cultivated for hundreds of years and are the sweetest variety.

Combine dates, water, orange juice and orange peel in a saucepan, bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla and margarine and stir until margarine is melted. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with shortening or baking spray. Place crust ingredients in the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and crumbly. Do not over mix

Firmly press 2/3 of crust mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.